The film was shot in the Twin Cities Area (Fore Paughs Restaurant, Boyum home, Larson home, Bethlehem church, Newport cemetery, Indian Mound Park, Veteran's Memorial Community Center), Yankton, SD (Bridge), Rapid City, SD (Westminister Presbyterian Church, Gold Diggers Pawn Shop, Alex Johnson Hotel), Hot Springs, SD (Fall River Health Center, Cabin at Lake Angustora, Hot Springs High School, Black Hills Regional Eye Institue)
James Boyum and Matt Boyum are extras in the wedding sequence.
Many of props, costumes and set pieces in the film are authentic. The Boyum home is the same home the real life Boyum's live in. The Larson home is the real Larson home. The Gi worn by actor Stephen Anthony Bailey was Michael Boyum's Gi he wore to teach his students. The white t-shirt with the karate logo Stephen wears in the breakfast scene was Michael's t-shirt he designed for his karate class. The Bible was Michael's. The Nunchucks were Michael's. The Church used in the film was the same church Michelle and Michael were actually married in. And not shown on camera, actor Stephen Anthony Bailey carried Michael's wallet and driver's license on him throughout the film. All of the letters and drawings and cards on the wall in Michael's room were from storage boxes Bonnie Boyum saved and allowed the production to use. Director Michael Linn wanted the film to feel as authentic as possible and capture the spirit of Michael and Michelle.
The "Pigmobile" was real! Michael worked for Lloyd's BBQ and drove a pink van designed to look like a pig. Dennis Linn designed a Pigmobile specifically for the film. Instead of Lloyd's BBQ it was changed to 3 Pigs BBQ. The Pigmobile was brought to the Carmike 10 for the premier of the film.
Stephen Anthony Bailey is the exact same height and weight as Michael Boyum was. Standing at 5'7" and 155 lbs. The Gi and t-shirt of Michael's fit perfectly.